IT'S RELEVANT ORIGINAL

Over 400 Strong Support CancerCare

2nd Annual Greenwich Walk/Run for Hope

"In a moment, your life is changed forever, as you go from being a regular person to being a cancer patient," said Margie Benefico, honorary chair person of CancerCare's 2014 Greenwich Walk/Run for Hope.

Over 400 runners, including survivors like Margie Benefico came together Sunday morning for CancerCare's 2nd Annual Walk/Run for Hope.

"There are so many great organizations but they have been the best and the most supportive to me. They offer support services 100% free. They offer online supports groups, I was able to get 1-on-1 counseling," said Benefico, who was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma last year.

"I love Margie. I love what Margie stands for as a human being. I think that being part of this - I believe in community and energy and positive focus,"said Gail Goldberg, one of the 60 members of Margie Benefico's team - the Lymphomaniacs.

For 70 years, CancerCare has provided free support services and information to help patients and their families manage the various challenges of cancer.

Sandra Tripodi, Regional Director CancerCare's Connecticut office said, "Last year CancerCare nationally provided 30 million dollars in direct financial assistance to people who were in need of that kind of support to make it through a diagnosis of cancer. But in addition to that, people call our hope line everyday and speak to our oncology social workers about the issues that are of great concern to them."

To date, the 2014 Walk/Run for Hope has raised $35,838.00. Sophie Khanna raised $10,685.00 for those in need.

"I was looking for a run to do and I saw CancerCare. My grandma suffered from cancer. Luckily she survived it and I just want to help people around who suffer from cancer," said Khanna.

"I wanted to donate to cancer [research] and I just wanted to give support to the people that are have trouble and are suffering through the disease right now. It's really great and it warms my heart," said Samuel, who took part in the event's 1/2-Mile Children's Run Run before the 5K.